Imperial Commissioner (China)

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Imperial Commissioner (simplified Chinese: 钦差大臣; traditional Chinese: 欽差大臣; pinyin: qīn chāi dà chén; Manchu: ᡥᡝᠰᡝ ᡳ
ᠲᠠᡣᡡᠷᠠᡥᠠ
ᠠᠮᠪᠠᠨ hese i takūraha amban) was a high-ranking government official or military general commissioned by the emperor of China during the late Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1636–1912) dynasties. His power was just below that of the emperor, such that he could command viceroys and provincial governors by imperial edict.

Functions[]

Main responsibilities[]

Negotiations with foreign powers, for example Lin Zexu, Qishan and Shen Baozhen) as well as treaty ratification as exemplified by Qiying, Yixin, Prince Gong and Li Hongzhang.

Manage aid and unite local government in response to large-scale natural disasters.

Subsidiary responsibilities[]

Military recruitment and transport. Examples include Tan Lun, Hong Chengchou, Xiang Rong, Zuo Zongtang and Yuan Shikai

List of Imperial Commissioners (middle and late Ming dynasty)[]

Imperial Commissioners received a sword of office from the emperor.

• 1555 Tan Lun wokou suppression
• 1564 Yan Song
• 1640 Hong Chengchou against the Qing

List of Imperial Commissioners (late Qing)[]

• 1838 Lin Zexu (First Opium War)
• 1840 Qishan (Qing dynasty)
• 1842 Qiying
• 1850 Lin Zexu (Taiping Rebellion)
• 1852 Ye Mingchen
• 1852 Xiang Rong
• 1858 Qiying
• 1860 Yixin, Prince Gong
• 1871 Shen Baozhen
• 1875 Zuo Zongtang
• 1885 Zuo Zongtang
• 1895 Li Hongzhang
• 1896 Li Hongzhang
• 1911 Zhao Erxun
• 1911 Yuan Shikai

See also[]

• Commissioner